I have some vintage pillow cases and when I got them out the other day I noticed they had some brown stains (spots) on them. Does anyone know how I can get them out without harming the fabric? They have been in the cabinet for several years and I do not know what caused them.

You might try lemon juice and sunlight or ammonia. If they're tiny, put them over an empty soda bottle, bigger ones you can use a bowl, and just dab on some lemon juice. That should keep any stains (if the do start to dissolve) from tranferring to other parts of the case.

This is sometimes called foxing. The best way I know requires bright sunlight, so this time of year is not ideal, but use a fresh cut lemon, and rub the juice into the spots. It doesn't really work to use bottled lemon juice. and set the pieces in the sun for several hours. I had a dear friend who dealt in vintage clothing for years in NYC, and this was her trick.

I have also used oxy clean and the gentle cycle, but the lemon usually does the trick.

I have seen Retro Clean recommended:
http://www.retroclean.com/

I have heard about the lemon juice and putting them in the sun, but at this time of year sun around here is hard to find. I guess I'll have to wait until warmer weather.

I have had some success using a bar of fels naptha soap and just wet the spots and rub on the bar of soap. pab